A state diagnostic team of educators has discovered that students at Bryan Station Middle School in Lexington are not being held to rigorous academic standards. The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has been summoned to aid in bringing forth changes required at Bryan Station Middle School, which has been marked out by the State as needing comprehensive improvement.

Once schools have been identified for comprehensive support and improvement, they are required to collaborate with local stakeholders to devise and implement a turnaround plan, noted a KDE spokesperson.

Welcome, Safe Environment But Inadequate Academic Progress

A diagnostic review report published on the Kentucky Department of Education’s website showed that Bryan Station Middle School’s students scored consistently below the statewide performance levels in the 2022-23 Kentucky Summative Assessment. This evaluation encompassed various content areas, ranging from reading, math, to science, and social studies. Students struggling with English language learning, in particular, did not register improved performances, necessitating comprehensive support.

However, the review also revealed some positive aspects of the school, such as a welcoming and safe learning environment fostered by the administrative team, teachers, and support staff and positive relationships among the staff and students. Nevertheless, the positive environment did not translate into rigorous academic progress.

Key Findings

The review conducted from Jan. 8-11 unearthed several issues:

• Both the coursework and student activities lacked rigor and engagement.
• Students weren’t consistently held to high academic expectations.
• Many staff members failed to understand why some school initiatives were put into practice.
• Consistent and clear communication was lacking.
• Parents interviewed in a group reported unsatisfactory home-school communication.

Steps Towards Improvement

Comprehensive Support Required

Conclusion